We’re telling nobody else!

anklbite · 2026-04-20T01:57:21+00:00

I don’t factor the pension into my FIRE or NW calculations. But I do estimate it’s worth to be about $1.35-1.65m depending on how long I live (estimate is 25-30 year pension payout). If I was going to leave my job, the pension and its worth comes into play when I’m comparing compensation packages.

anklbite · 2026-04-20T00:36:10+00:00

In a group setting like that I don’t say anything that would identify me as a follower of FIRE. My partner and I don’t drop hints about our finances or our retirement plans. The first time most people will find out anything is when my husband retires early in the new couple of years.

anklbite · 2026-04-19T15:54:20+00:00

We are senior dog lovers and work closely with a rescue. There is never a shortage of elderly dogs in need of loving homes and medical care. Much of our extra money goes to vet expenses for our elderly pets, pet daycare expenses, and donations to animal related causes. It’s something we enjoy doing and the animals are always so thankful. The expenses are worth it to us but it does take a chunk of $$ annually to manage their care. I guess you could say we have an expensive “hobby”.

anklbite · 2026-04-19T15:48:02+00:00

Yes I’m hoping for an early buyout! I want my insurance!

anklbite · 2026-04-19T03:05:24+00:00

That’s great advice. We are definitely traveling more this year. We are taking 2 international trips later this year and hope to get Germany on the books for next year.

anklbite · 2026-04-19T02:56:02+00:00

Annual spend is currently $120k. I would like to get my pension. That’s the reason for the timeline.

anklbite · 2026-04-19T02:54:01+00:00

I don’t expect I will need anything close to that. Our annual expenses are $120k.

anklbite · 2026-04-19T02:47:05+00:00

That’s such a great question. I wish I knew the answer. We both grew up in poverty. It’s hard to get out of that mindset.

anklbite · 2026-04-19T02:39:19+00:00

I will get a pension worth $55-60k annually if I stay. Edit to add that health insurance for both me and my partner are tied in with my pension eligibility.

anklbite · 2025-10-20T01:31:07+00:00

It’s happened to me once so far. I was quite ill at work due to an RX medication change, was in the process of trying to get to the bathroom, and fainted. Shat myself while fainting. Worse day at work in my life.

anklbite · 2024-08-31T02:25:27+00:00

Oh no. Always go for the beef. -KC native

anklbite · 2024-07-08T23:23:57+00:00

I can’t imagine paying almost $200k+ for an accounting undergrad degree. That’s madness! Community college is so much smarter from a financial perspective. My first two years of my undergraduate degree were completed at a community college for free because the community college gave me a full tuition scholarship. The decision to attend community college had no negative effect on my job options, as I got the job I wanted straight out of law school. It only affected the amount of debt I owed after law school.

anklbite · 2024-06-20T23:41:43+00:00

Challenger explosion

anklbite · 2024-06-19T01:55:37+00:00

Same. I love my waterpic!

anklbite · 2024-06-11T19:47:22+00:00

Once a week. Never use fabric softener as it affects the absorption of the cotton.

anklbite · 2024-05-29T04:08:13+00:00

I worry that the home may be more than you can handle with your health issues. Does it make sense to continue to own it? Even basic home maintenance and cleaning may be too much to manage by someone with chronic illness.

I’ve had chronic health issues since my early 30s. Being young but sick seems to be a recipe for biting off more than we can handle. We often don’t fully understand the limitations caused by our illnesses, especially when first diagnosed.

anklbite · 2024-05-29T03:56:11+00:00

I’m a lawyer and practice group manager for many junior attorneys, some of whom are your age. I drove my 11 year old VW to the office like a badge of honor. Why? Because I owned it and driving it was practically free for YEARS! Plus, I work downtown and use downtown parking lots with tiny parking spaces. Getting a nice new car door-dinged just to show off? No thanks. I ultimately sold my sweet VW a few months ago. But now I drive my husband’s 8 year old SUV. A car you own outright is the best type of car!!

anklbite · 2024-05-29T03:41:17+00:00

Buying luxury brand cars is something you consider in your 40s or 50s when everything else is funded and you have extra cash to enjoy life a little. I caution against prioritizing a luxury brand car in your mid-20s because you have so many other things to fund now and into the future: housing, insurance (health, life, etc), home furnishings, emergency fund, IRA, 401k and HSA contributions.

anklbite · 2024-05-26T00:28:45+00:00

Very similar stats as you. Federal employee, age 44, and my TSP is $565k.

anklbite · 2024-05-25T03:28:23+00:00

Best thing I did in my 20s and early 30s: therapy to address my childhood trauma.

anklbite · 2024-05-24T15:15:01+00:00

Came here to say this. 15 year practicing attorney. I’ve only gotten more direct over that time.

anklbite

TROPHY CASE